Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL), a ministry within the Diocese of Wichita's Respect Life and Social Justice Office, continues its efforts to provide crisis intervention outside abortion clinics. The organization emphasizes a peaceful and prayerful approach, with all advocates signing a pledge of integrity to remain law-abiding.

Planned Parenthood statistics indicate that one in four women will have an abortion at some point in their lives. SAFL claims to have saved over 24,286 women and babies nationwide from abortion-related harm. In Wichita, SAFL operates at two of the city's three abortion facilities. Despite the absence of local reporting requirements, they estimate that about 15 out-of-state women visit these facilities for every Kansan seeking an abortion.

Melissa Yeomans, Senior Regional Programs Manager for SAFL, visited Wichita from June 11-13 to support local advocates. Her involvement in pro-life advocacy began through volunteering at her local pregnancy resource center and participating in the 40 Days For Life campaign. During her visit, she engaged with local advocates and offered encouragement.

Yeomans' visit included meetings with local volunteers and observing outreach efforts at Planned Parenthood. She also participated in discussions about sidewalk advocacy and shared resources with individuals entering the facility. A conversation with a driver responsible for transporting medical waste highlighted moral conflicts associated with his job.

A group meeting held at the Spiritual Life Center saw Yeomans sharing an inspiring story about helping a pregnant mother escape an abusive relationship and providing necessary resources for her child. The meeting concluded with plans to ensure adequate volunteer presence at Planned Parenthood on Fridays.

Yeomans spent her final day in Wichita engaging directly with individuals outside an abortion facility alongside local volunteers Colleen Ostermann and others. They encountered several people seeking information or assistance regarding their situations.

An upcoming SAFL training session is scheduled for July 25 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

Taylor Wegerer serves as Coordinator of Sidewalk Advocates for Life within the Diocese of Wichita’s Office of Respect Life and Social Justice.